Florence boy, 2, dies after falling into family’s pool

A 2-year-old boy from Florence died after falling into his family’s backyard pool Monday afternoon.

According to the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office, the boy’s 38-year-old mother and his five siblings, all under 15 years old, were home at the time.

Sgt. Pat Ramirez said the mother and most of the children were in the living room while two of the kids moved items from the backyard to the garage. While this was occurring, Parker Hargis was discovered to be missing.

The mother found the boy in the pool. She jumped in to get him then began performing CPR.

Parker was taken by ambulance to the Florence Anthem Hospital then airlifted to Maricopa Medical Center where hours later he was pronounced dead.

Sheriff Paul Babeu said the pool was fenced, but the gate had been propped open. He said Parker was missing for nearly five minutes before anybody noticed.

When the investigation is finished, the case will be referred to the Pinal County Attorney’s Office for review.

Statement from the family:

“The Hargis family is left distraught and saddened by the sudden loss of their son Parker “Pork Chop” Hargis due to drowning. Parker is survived by his parents, Brad and Jody, and five siblings.

“In the early afternoon of August 18th, two-year old Parker, while his family was unpacking the car, slipped into the backyard pool. His mother retrieved him and began effective CPR as one of the other children called 911. Parker was rushed to the Anthem hospital in Florence and then was flown to Maricopa Medical Center in Phoenix. They were surrounded by immediate family and close friends when Parker passed away shortly after midnight.

“The Hargis family asks for the prayers of the community. There will be a Celebration of Life Service at Mountain View Family Church in Queen Creek on Saturday, Aug. 23rd at 5:00pm. The family is in great financial need during this very tragic time and can use the support of San Tan Valley and surrounding communities. You can make a donation at any Desert Schools Federal Credit Union under the Hargis Memorial Fund.”

via Florence boy, 2, dies after falling into family’s pool